Sam Thomas hoping Our Power can strike Newbury Gold
Trainer landed the race as a rider aboard Denman.
Fifteen years on from steering the great Denman to a memorable victory in the Coral Gold Cup, Sam Thomas bids to double up as a trainer with Our Power in Saturday’s Newbury showpiece. The Paul Nicholls-trained Denman was making his first start outside novice company in the prestigious handicap in 2007 and shouldered top-weight of 11st 12lb to a hugely impressive 11-length success. Denman went on to prove himself as one of the greatest staying chasers of the modern era by beating stablemate Kauto Star in the following year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup before returning to Newbury to win a second Coral Gold Cup – the then Hennessy – under Ruby Walsh in 2009. “It was an incredible period in my career really, to be looking forward to the week and riding those incredible horses,” said Thomas.“At that stage we didn’t quite know how good Denman was, so to be part of history really where he was doing what he did best – demolishing those big fields – was very special. I have very fond memories.” Nicholls also won the race as a rider, landing back-to-back renewals aboard Broadheath and Playschool in the 1980s, and Thomas is out to emulate his former boss this weekend. Thomas added: “We’re just treating it as another race, but obviously it does come with a little bit more pressure as it’s a race of huge significance. “It’s a race with a long history and some incredible horses have won it over the years. It’s just great to be in the race with a horse with an each-way chance. “There’s no pressure as such. I can only do what I can do. All the horse’s preparation is done and it’s just a question of keeping in one piece and keeping him happy. “I don’t think I can go into the race with too much pressure on my shoulders, just maybe a bit nervous and anxious for it all to go well more than anything.”
Our Power stays on very strongly to take the GBP 100,000 Bateaux London Gold Cup at @Ascot for @charliedeutsch2 and @SammyTRacing! 👊 pic.twitter.com/AgWmz4IopG
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 29, 2022
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